At many schools the beginning of fall means tough classes and even tougher pig skins. Though students make have kissed their syllabus-reviewing days goodbye — trading them for midterms review sessions — Pepperdine misses out on the football culture.
But student and alumni organizations have begun planning a string of events to boost the school spirit on campus and to support Pepperdine’s remaining teams.
The plans may also help students both relieve stress and put a little pep in Pep’s step — even if it’s just for a while — with Blue and Orange Madness a weeklong event starting Oct. 12 that will include a competition for the Spirit Cup.
The Seaver Alumni Office said it might also move Homecoming from its traditional February date to the fall.
Blue and Orange Madness is a cherished Pepperdine tradition that is timed to coincide with Family Weekend and members of the Student Programming Board said this year’s festivities will not disappoint. The annual event touting the names of the university’s spirit colors began as a celebration of the first day the basketball team is allowed according to NCAA regulations to practice together on the court.
Jill McMillan Special Projects coordinator of the Student Activities board provided a very limited sneak preview. “As for the halftime entertainment we cannot divulge that information at this time but students parents alumni and staff can expect a great show she said. The dance team, the cheerleading squad and the step team are all expected to perform during the event.
This mega-rally of sorts is billed as a time for all students to flood into the Firestone Fieldhouse to cheer on the student organizations and athletes.
The competition for the Spirit Cup is the centerpiece of a week of good-natured rivalries and activities between residence halls. All this will culminate with the always-popular bake-off and lip-synching contest, which will be held at the Madness Village — usually known by its alternative title, the parking lot outside Firestone Fieldhouse.
The Spirit Cup will be awarded on the night of Oct. 16, before the two main events. Athletic Events Coordinator Kevin Borzenski commented on the upcoming festivities.
I think everyone should come out and support the teams because it is a really fun event that is one of Pepperdine’s oldest traditions he said.
As if that is not a good enough reason to come down on Oct. 16, He offered additional incentive too: free In-N-Out.
Junior Casey Simon remembers her first experience at Blue and Orange Madness as a freshman. Eating free food hanging out with my friends and getting a free t-shirt was awesome. I still have the t-shirt. It was really fun night Simon said.
Freshmen like Gina Vrablik say they anticipate a good time. I am really excited. It sounds like so much fun Vrablik said.
Another project in the works is Homecoming. The alumni-drawing stalwart is usually scheduled in Feb., but officials say the Seaver Alumni Affairs Office is in the middle of re-imagining” the logistics of the event. This includes the possibility of moving the event to the fall.
“We want to build a stronger Pepperdine community said Mike Sprague, manager of Homecoming and class reunions for Seaver Alumni Affairs Office.
We are trying to engage students and alumni to make this a really fun event Sprague said. We would love student feedback.”
The Alumni Association said it wants to make make this an interactive process so it requests requesting any and all students to offer up their input.
Any questions or suggestions should be directed to the Seaver Alumni Affairs Office.
